Pakistani infiltrators were only 50 yards away when Major Somnath Sharma sent his iconic last message to the Brigade Headquarters. "We are heavily outnumbered... I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man," he said. Major Somnath Sharma died for the country on this day in 1947, while fighting infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tribute poured in on social media for Major Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest honour for distinguished acts of valour during wartime.
Major Sharma was a part of the Fourth Batallion of the Kumaon Regiment and was posted in Badgam immediately after independence in 1947. On November 3, 1947, his battalion was under fire and was outnumbered seven to one. Before losing his life in a motor shell explosion on a pile of ammunition near him, he transmitted a message to the headquarters informing them that the infiltrators were closing in.
The official Twitter account of PRO Udhampur, Ministry of Defence, remembered Major Sharma's last words in a Twitter post.
#3Nov1947 #BattleOfBadgam is famous for Maj Somnath Sharma of 4 KUMAON, 1st #ParamVirChakra of #IndianArmy) His iconic last words were, “The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered.., I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man & last round!” pic.twitter.com/DAkPVjKHVk
— PRO Udhampur, Ministry of Defence (@proudhampur) November 3, 2020
On his death anniversary, several politicians and army officers also shared tributes remembering Major Sharma, who was posthumously awarded India's highest military decoration.
The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, wrote on Twitter: "His unparalleled gallantry, indomitable courage & supreme sacrifice during the Battle of Badgam can never be forgotten."
Humble tributes to Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra on his death anniversary. His unparalleled gallantry, indomitable courage & supreme sacrifice during the Battle of Badgam can never be forgotten.
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 3, 2020
"He led the brave Kumaonis in a ferocious last stand, outnumbered 7 to 1. A grateful nation awarded him with India's first Param Veer Chakra," Major Gaurav Arya wrote.
Today in 1947, Major Somnath Sharma of 4 Kumaon Regiment attained Veergati in the Battle of Budgam. He led the brave Kumaonis in a ferocious last stand, outnumbered 7 to 1. A grateful nation awarded him with India's first Param Veer Chakra. #KalikaMataKiJai #ParakramoVijayte pic.twitter.com/Fi3VhnYNWg
— Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) (@majorgauravarya) November 3, 2020
A number of posts remembering the hero have flooded Twitter.
03 Nov 1947
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 3, 2020
In the Battle of #Budgam, Major Somnath Sharma displayed unparalleled #gallantry, indomitable #courage, the unique instinct of a warrior & made the supreme sacrifice. Posthumously awarded #ParamVirChakra. (26/n)#SavioursofJammuKashmir1947https://t.co/Ga0gdtBCgn pic.twitter.com/dVu6eD8j3h
#3Nov1947 Maj Somnath Sharma,4 KUMAON,1st #ParamVirChakra #IndianArmy His iconic last words..“दुश्मन हमसे 50 गज की दूरी पर है l दुश्मनों की संख्या हमसे बहुत अधिक है lमैं एक इंच भी पीछे नहीं हटूंगा,मैं अपनी आखिरी गोली और आखिरी जवान तक दुश्मनों का सामना करता रहूंगा l #Badgam pic.twitter.com/QLTvuzqYYe
— PRO Kohima, Ministry Of Defence (@prodefkohima) November 3, 2020
Have had the honour of paying obeisance at Major Somnath Sharma's memorial on numerous occasions ????????????????
— KJS DHILLON (@Tiny_Dhillon) November 3, 2020
Our Heroes Will Always Be Remembered With Utmost Respects ????????
Jai Hind ????????
Major Somnath Sharma was born on January 31, 1923. He became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra in 1950.
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